US5992445A - Float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels - Google Patents

Float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels Download PDF

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Publication number
US5992445A
US5992445A US09/121,782 US12178298A US5992445A US 5992445 A US5992445 A US 5992445A US 12178298 A US12178298 A US 12178298A US 5992445 A US5992445 A US 5992445A
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United States
Prior art keywords
float
float member
seat
unit
float unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US09/121,782
Inventor
Angela Pagani
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Cavagna Group Switzerland SA
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Cavagna Group International BV
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Assigned to CAVAGNA GROUP INTERNATIONAL B.V., AMSTERDAM, SUCCURSALE DI LUGANO reassignment CAVAGNA GROUP INTERNATIONAL B.V., AMSTERDAM, SUCCURSALE DI LUGANO ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PAGANI, ANGELA
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5992445A publication Critical patent/US5992445A/en
Assigned to CAVAGNA GROUP SWITZERLAND SA reassignment CAVAGNA GROUP SWITZERLAND SA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CAVAGNA GROUP INTERNATIONAL BV AMSTERDAM, SUCCURSALE DI LUGANO
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/18—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float
    • F16K31/20—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve
    • F16K31/24—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve with a transmission with parts linked together from a single float to a single valve
    • F16K31/26—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve with a transmission with parts linked together from a single float to a single valve with the valve guided for rectilinear movement and the float attached to a pivoted arm
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F17C2250/0413—Level of content in the vessel with floats
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/7287—Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
    • Y10T137/7358—By float controlled valve
    • Y10T137/7439—Float arm operated valve
    • Y10T137/7465—Assembly mounted on and having reciprocating valve element coaxial with inlet pipe
    • Y10T137/7472—Vertical inlet riser
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/7287—Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
    • Y10T137/7358—By float controlled valve
    • Y10T137/7439—Float arm operated valve
    • Y10T137/7478—With interposed cam, gear or threaded connection
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/87265—Dividing into parallel flow paths with recombining

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels, cylinders and the like.
  • the float units used in liquid gas cylinders that have to be filled substantially consist of a valve body which can be associated with the cylinder, from which a stem extends having at its lower part a fork whereto a float member is swingably hinged which is usually provided with a cam for operating the valve element.
  • This conventional float unit which is used worldwide, suffers the drawback of being very bulky particularly during storing and shipping, since the float member usually lies on the stem extension of the valve body, thus being cumbersome.
  • the aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing a float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in cylinders and the like, which allows to considerably reduce the overall dimensions when the valve body is not installed on the cylinder, thus making storing and shipping easier.
  • a particular object of the present invention is to provide a float unit which does not require particular provisions for protecting the hinge area between the float member and the valve body during storing and shipping, thus simplifying the assembly steps.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in cylinders and the like which, thanks to its peculiar characteristics, is highly reliable and safe in use.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a float unit which can be easily manufactured by using commercially available elements and materials, and which is also competitive from an economical point of view.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a float unit according to the invention, applied to a cylinder;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the cam portion connected to the float member
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the removable coupling means
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of the coupling arrangement between the float member and the fork body
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the float unit in the assembled condition, during the filling step
  • FIG. 6 shows the float unit in the assembled position, at the end of the filling.
  • the float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in cylinders and the like generally designated by the reference number 1, comprises a valve body 2 which is known per se and is provided with a threaded shank 3 for a tight connection to a cylinder 4.
  • a stem 5 extends from the valve body inside the cylinder and terminates in a fork body 6.
  • a float member 8 is coupled to the fork body 6, with the float member being provided with an arm 9 ending with a cam element 10, which actuates the control piston 11 of the valve body.
  • the peculiarity of the invention consists in that coupling means are provided for removably coupling the float member 8 with the fork body element 6.
  • the removable coupling means consists of a seat 20 defined on the branches of the fork element 6 which, through a narrowing groove 21, is connected to a port facing outwards and provided with a lead-in countersink 22.
  • a transverse central pin 23 is provided on the cam 10 which may be snap-fitted in the seat 20 by overcoming the opposition caused by the groove 21.
  • the pin 23 protrudes from the cam body 10 so as to allow coupling by snap fitting into the seat 20, whereby to provide the hinge coupling which enables the float member to freely oscillate.
  • the cam body 10 advantageously has a transverse stop peg 25 which, upon upward oscillation of the float member 8, engages with the fork body to limit such upward movement thereof, whereas a lug 26 provided on the opposite side with respect to the central pin 23 limits the downward oscillation of the float member 8.
  • the float unit according to the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, in that it is possible to completely separate the float member 8 from the valve body, thus allowing to store and ship the float unit as two separate elements, i.e. the valve body and the float member. This remarkably reduces the bulk and above all prevents the hinge area from being damaged.
  • the materials employed as well as the shapes and dimensions may be any according to requirements.

Abstract

A float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels,ylinders and the like, comprises a valve body which can be associated with a cylinder and defines a fork body whereto a float member is swingably connected, the float unit further comprising a coupling element for removably coupling the float member to the fork body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels, cylinders and the like.
As is known, the float units used in liquid gas cylinders that have to be filled substantially consist of a valve body which can be associated with the cylinder, from which a stem extends having at its lower part a fork whereto a float member is swingably hinged which is usually provided with a cam for operating the valve element.
This conventional float unit which is used worldwide, suffers the drawback of being very bulky particularly during storing and shipping, since the float member usually lies on the stem extension of the valve body, thus being cumbersome.
Moreover, it is necessary to take adapted provisions during packaging in order to avoid breakage of the hinge area between the float member and the fork body of the valve body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing a float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in cylinders and the like, which allows to considerably reduce the overall dimensions when the valve body is not installed on the cylinder, thus making storing and shipping easier.
Within the scope of this aim, a particular object of the present invention is to provide a float unit which does not require particular provisions for protecting the hinge area between the float member and the valve body during storing and shipping, thus simplifying the assembly steps.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in cylinders and the like which, thanks to its peculiar characteristics, is highly reliable and safe in use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a float unit which can be easily manufactured by using commercially available elements and materials, and which is also competitive from an economical point of view.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This aim, these objects as well as others which will become apparent from the following detailed description are achieved by a float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in cylinders and the like, given only by non-limitative example, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a float unit according to the invention, applied to a cylinder;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the cam portion connected to the float member;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the removable coupling means;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the coupling arrangement between the float member and the fork body;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the float unit in the assembled condition, during the filling step;
FIG. 6 shows the float unit in the assembled position, at the end of the filling.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the above figures, the float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in cylinders and the like, generally designated by the reference number 1, comprises a valve body 2 which is known per se and is provided with a threaded shank 3 for a tight connection to a cylinder 4.
A stem 5 extends from the valve body inside the cylinder and terminates in a fork body 6.
A float member 8 is coupled to the fork body 6, with the float member being provided with an arm 9 ending with a cam element 10, which actuates the control piston 11 of the valve body.
The peculiarity of the invention consists in that coupling means are provided for removably coupling the float member 8 with the fork body element 6.
The removable coupling means consists of a seat 20 defined on the branches of the fork element 6 which, through a narrowing groove 21, is connected to a port facing outwards and provided with a lead-in countersink 22.
A transverse central pin 23 is provided on the cam 10 which may be snap-fitted in the seat 20 by overcoming the opposition caused by the groove 21. The pin 23 protrudes from the cam body 10 so as to allow coupling by snap fitting into the seat 20, whereby to provide the hinge coupling which enables the float member to freely oscillate.
The cam body 10 advantageously has a transverse stop peg 25 which, upon upward oscillation of the float member 8, engages with the fork body to limit such upward movement thereof, whereas a lug 26 provided on the opposite side with respect to the central pin 23 limits the downward oscillation of the float member 8.
It will thus be noted that the float unit according to the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, in that it is possible to completely separate the float member 8 from the valve body, thus allowing to store and ship the float unit as two separate elements, i.e. the valve body and the float member. This remarkably reduces the bulk and above all prevents the hinge area from being damaged.
When required for use, a snap coupling of the float member is rapidly and easily carried out by inserting the centre pin 23 within the seat 20.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept.
All the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
In practice, the materials employed as well as the shapes and dimensions may be any according to requirements.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. MI97A001846 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (7)

What is claimed is:
1. A float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels, comprising:
a valve body being associable to a vessel body;
a fork body provided on a portion of said valve body, said fork body having a seat portion formed therein, said seat portion including an entrance portion tapering to a narrow groove portion contiguous thereto; and
a float member being swingably and removably coupled to said fork body within said seat portion, said float member being removably inserted through said entrance portion and into said narrow groove portion, wherein said float member has a securing member extending therefrom, said securing member being snap-fitted into said narrow groove portion to fixedly secure said float member to said fork body.
2. The float unit of claim 1, wherein said narrow groove portion of said seat flares outwards in lead-in countersinking.
3. The float unit of claim 1, further comprising:
a central pin associated to said float member, said central pin being coupleable with said fork body by snap fitting into said seat.
4. The float unit of claim 3, wherein said float member further comprises:
a cam body, said central pin protruding centrally from said cam body.
5. The float unit of claim 3, wherein said cam body includes:
a stop peg provided at said float member for limiting upward oscillation thereof; and
a stop lug for limiting downward oscillation of said float member.
6. The float unit of claim 1, wherein said seat is formed on branches of said fork body.
7. The float unit of claim 1, wherein said float member includes:
an arm at one end of said float member, wherein said arm terminates with a cam body having a central pin protruding centrally from said cam body, said pin received in said seat for snap fitting engagement between said float member and said fork body.
US09/121,782 1997-07-31 1998-07-23 Float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels Expired - Fee Related US5992445A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT97MI001846A IT1290832B1 (en) 1997-07-31 1997-07-31 FLOAT GROUP FOR CHECKING THE FILLING LEVEL WITH LIQUID GASES OF CYLINDERS AND SIMILAR
ITMI97A1846 1997-07-31

Publications (1)

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US5992445A true US5992445A (en) 1999-11-30

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US09/121,782 Expired - Fee Related US5992445A (en) 1997-07-31 1998-07-23 Float unit for controlling the filling level of liquid gases in vessels

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US (1) US5992445A (en)
AU (1) AU7863198A (en)
CA (1) CA2243590A1 (en)
IT (1) IT1290832B1 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6178994B1 (en) * 2000-02-24 2001-01-30 Young Do Industrial Co., Ltd. Tap for compressed or liquefied gases having an overcharging prevention function
US20040075632A1 (en) * 2001-10-15 2004-04-22 Au Optronics Corp. Liquid crystal display panel and driving method thereof
US20050081919A1 (en) * 2003-10-15 2005-04-21 Davide Cavagna Float, particularly for level control in bottles of liquefied gas and the like
US20110132469A1 (en) * 2009-12-03 2011-06-09 Federal-Mogul Corporation Snap assembly decoupled float vapor vent apparatus
US8281823B2 (en) 2008-06-16 2012-10-09 Spillx L.L.C. Refueling apparatus with an automatic stop
US8430117B2 (en) 2010-04-26 2013-04-30 Michael J. Mitrovich Refueling apparatus
US8550128B2 (en) 2008-06-16 2013-10-08 Michael J. Mitrovich Fluid flow control valve with upper bleed port and system
US8631818B2 (en) 2011-06-28 2014-01-21 Michael J. Mitrovich Vertical float valve assembly
US10703388B2 (en) 2015-12-03 2020-07-07 Spillx Llc Refueling adapter

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US972331A (en) * 1908-05-28 1910-10-11 Alexander A Carson Ball-cock.
US1384450A (en) * 1919-11-25 1921-07-12 Merton H Greeson Ball-cock
US1476029A (en) * 1921-05-14 1923-12-04 Nathaniel S Black Float valve
US4286619A (en) * 1979-05-07 1981-09-01 Hoover Universal, Inc. Ballcock assembly
US4483367A (en) * 1984-01-20 1984-11-20 Rochester Gauges, Inc. Stop fill valve
US5282496A (en) * 1991-12-23 1994-02-01 Luxembourg Patent Company S.A. Tap for compressed or liquefied gases

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US972331A (en) * 1908-05-28 1910-10-11 Alexander A Carson Ball-cock.
US1384450A (en) * 1919-11-25 1921-07-12 Merton H Greeson Ball-cock
US1476029A (en) * 1921-05-14 1923-12-04 Nathaniel S Black Float valve
US4286619A (en) * 1979-05-07 1981-09-01 Hoover Universal, Inc. Ballcock assembly
US4483367A (en) * 1984-01-20 1984-11-20 Rochester Gauges, Inc. Stop fill valve
US5282496A (en) * 1991-12-23 1994-02-01 Luxembourg Patent Company S.A. Tap for compressed or liquefied gases

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6178994B1 (en) * 2000-02-24 2001-01-30 Young Do Industrial Co., Ltd. Tap for compressed or liquefied gases having an overcharging prevention function
US20040075632A1 (en) * 2001-10-15 2004-04-22 Au Optronics Corp. Liquid crystal display panel and driving method thereof
US20050081919A1 (en) * 2003-10-15 2005-04-21 Davide Cavagna Float, particularly for level control in bottles of liquefied gas and the like
US6953050B2 (en) * 2003-10-15 2005-10-11 Cavagna Group Switzerland Sa Float, particularly for level control in bottles of liquefied gas and the like
US8281823B2 (en) 2008-06-16 2012-10-09 Spillx L.L.C. Refueling apparatus with an automatic stop
US8550128B2 (en) 2008-06-16 2013-10-08 Michael J. Mitrovich Fluid flow control valve with upper bleed port and system
US20110132469A1 (en) * 2009-12-03 2011-06-09 Federal-Mogul Corporation Snap assembly decoupled float vapor vent apparatus
US8528526B2 (en) * 2009-12-03 2013-09-10 Federal-Mogul Corporation Snap assembly decoupled float vapor vent apparatus
US8430117B2 (en) 2010-04-26 2013-04-30 Michael J. Mitrovich Refueling apparatus
US8631818B2 (en) 2011-06-28 2014-01-21 Michael J. Mitrovich Vertical float valve assembly
US10703388B2 (en) 2015-12-03 2020-07-07 Spillx Llc Refueling adapter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT1290832B1 (en) 1998-12-11
CA2243590A1 (en) 1999-01-31
AU7863198A (en) 1999-02-11
ITMI971846A1 (en) 1999-01-31

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Owner name: CAVAGNA GROUP INTERNATIONAL B.V., AMSTERDAM, SUCCU

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PAGANI, ANGELA;REEL/FRAME:009343/0479

Effective date: 19980717

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Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CAVAGNA GROUP INTERNATIONAL BV AMSTERDAM, SUCCURSALE DI LUGANO;REEL/FRAME:013333/0337

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Effective date: 20111130